Category: Uncategorized

Michelle Bishop Announces Inspiring Gala Event

Posted on January 10, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Michelle Bishop, certified master life coach, author, and Maryville resident, is thrilled to announce a special evening of inspiration, community, and hope: the Bishop Table Gala: “Shining a Light on Hope: Choose You First.” The event will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the beautiful White Star event venue in Maryville, Tennessee. All proceeds from the evening will directly benefit New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center.

  • Event Details:
    •  When: Friday, January 31, 2025, 6:30 PM
      • Early VIP entry at 6:00 PM
    • Where: White Star, Maryville, TN, 133 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801
  • Tickets:
    • $50 per person, includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket, live music, and access to vendors. Additional drinks will be available at a cash bar.
    • $75 VIP tickets include early entry, VIP fast access lanes for all food/drinks, VIP area with pool, poker and craps
  • – Attire:  Business Casual to Formal

Guests will enjoy a memorable evening featuring music, delicious cuisine, and unique local vendors, along with a brief presentation by New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, shedding light on their vital work supporting children and families in the community.

The event will also celebrate the launch of Michelle Bishop’s new book, “Choose You First,” a compelling memoir of Michelle’s life overcoming childhood trauma, domestic violence, illness and the death of her husband. This debut book empowers readers to prioritize their well-being and embrace their authentic selves. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, with proceeds further benefiting New Hope.

“This event is a dream come true,” said Bishop. “I’ve always been passionate about supporting our community, and the work New Hope does is nothing short of life-changing. Partnering this cause with the launch of my book feels like the perfect way to give back and inspire others to prioritize their mental and emotional health.”

Ashley Fontenot, CEO of New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are so grateful to Michelle for using her platform to support New Hope. Her story is one of resilience and hope, values that align perfectly with our mission to help children and families heal from trauma. This gala promises to be a meaningful event for our community, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

Tickets and Donations:
Tickets for the Bishop Table Gala are $50 per person and can be purchased here.. Can’t attend but want to support New Hope? Donations are welcome through the New Hope website or directly at the event.

Join us on January 31st as we celebrate community, shine a light on hope, and embrace the empowering message of “Choose You First.”

About Michelle Bishop:
Michelle Bishop is a survivor of adversity—overcoming a toxic upbringing, domestic violence, the loss of her soulmate, COVID-19, body image struggles, and breast cancer. Now, she’s dedicated to inspiring others to thrive beyond survival. Michelle is a life coach and has earned her master-certified life coach certificate by the Certified Life Coach Institute. She is a blogger, writer, speaker, author and social media motivator, empowering others to transform their struggles into strength.

About New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center:
New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center is a vital resource in Blount County. It provides a safe, supportive space for children who have experienced abuse or trauma. Through counseling, advocacy, and outreach, New Hope is dedicated to helping children and families heal while striving to end abuse in our community. Learn more at blountkids.org.

Home Federal Bank Names New President

Posted on January 9, 2025 by - Uncategorized

Jonathan Mayfield

David Reynolds, CEO and President of Home Federal Bank of Tennessee, announced today that Jonathan Mayfield (pictured) has been promoted to President of Home Federal Bank. David Reynolds will continue to serve as CEO and assume the additional role of Chairman from Dale Keasling, who will continue as a member of the Board.

Jonathan Mayfield

Jonathan Mayfield has been with the bank for over 20 years, serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. Mr. Mayfield is a Knoxville native and a graduate of the University of Tennessee. He is also a Top Honor graduate of the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending, a member of Knoxville’s 40 under 40 class of 2018, and a graduate of the Leadership Knoxville class of 2023. He has been active in the community, serving as past chair of the Grace Christian Academy School Board and volunteering in various capacities with Emerald Youth Foundation, the Change Center, Helen Ross McNabb, Ronald McDonald House, KCDC, Christ Led Communities, and YOKE, while also coaching youth sports. Jonathan and his wife, Kelley, have two sons and are active members of Grace Baptist Church in Karns.

Speaking about Jonathan, David Reynolds was quoted as saying, “We are fortunate as a bank to have someone of Jonathan Mayfield’s caliber and experience who is well respected by our customers, employees, and the community. I am confident that he will continue the tradition of serving East Tennessee customers and their banking needs in the excellent way that we have been doing for 100 years.”

Home Federal Bank is the largest mutually owned community bank in Tennessee. Founded in 1924, it has 23 offices in Knox, Anderson, Blount, and Sevier counties.

Home Federal Bank provides mortgage and consumer loans, credit and debit card services, online and mobile banking, savings plans, personal and business trust services, commercial banking, and brokerage services through its subsidiary, Home Financial Services Inc. www.homefederalbanktn.com

Over 50 Blount County Small Businesses by Celebrate Small Business Saturday

Posted on November 25, 2024 by - Uncategorized

shop and dine passports graphic

More than 50 Blount County small businesses elected to participate in the 15th annual Small Business Saturday on November 30 to support independent businesses. Each is offering special deals to kick off the holiday shopping season.

Small Business Saturday is set aside to highlight the importance of shopping local as $68 of every $100 spent by consumers stays in the community as compared to less than half that when shopping online.

Additionally, the Blount County Chamber of Commerce is launching a new “shop small” program which is a series of two separate shopping passports that encourage consumers to visit local establishments while earning the reward of prize incentives. 

Each visit to a participating retailer qualifies as an entry to win a gift certificate from a local business worth at least $25. Simply sign up at blountchamber.com/passport and get your passport sent directly to your phone – it’s the ticket to the very best of Blount County shopping and fabulous prizes.

A complete listing of participating Small Business Saturday participants and deals are located at www.blountchamber.com/sbs

Moreover, the Downtown Maryville Alliance is hosting the Downtown Maryville Christmas from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on November 30. The Holiday Market, presented by J. Danforth Mercantile, features over 150 local artisan booths filled with unique gifts perfect for everyone on your list. Bring the whole family while you shop and keep an eye out for candy canes on our “Candy Cane Lane” of free children’s activities along Broadway Avenue!

The festivities continue from 4-6 p.m. with the City of Maryville’s Christmas tree lighting. Vendors and Candy Cane Lane activities will continue with even more fun, including Touch-a-Truck, free cookies, and hot chocolate. End the evening as we light up the Christmas tree in the heart of downtown and mark the official start of the holiday season.